Introduction and hypothesis: The aim of the study was to investigate the risk factors involved in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) 1 year after first delivery.
Methods: This was a longitudinal study of 352 primigravid women who gave birth at Donostia Hospital during 2007. Urinary symptoms were investigated (Abrams et al., Neurourol Urodyn 21:167-178, 2002) on inclusion and 1 year after delivery, and the incontinence severity index (ISI) was calculated. Incontinent women answered the International Consultation on Incontinence short form questionnaire. Pelvic floor muscle strength and joint hypermobility were evaluated.
Results: SUI affected 40 (11.4%) women 1 year after first delivery. The ISI distribution was: 62.5% slight, 32.5% moderate, 2.5% severe and 2.5% very severe. The only factor independently associated with SUI after delivery was the development of SUI during pregnancy (OR, 5.79; 95% CI, 2.79-12.00).
Conclusions: The new onset of SUI during pregnancy is an independent risk factor for SUI in the postpartum period.